A friend of mine who knows a lot more about jazz than I do suggested that we go along to see Clare Teal at the Cinnamon Club in the Bowdon Rooms, Altrincham on Friday night.

This lady is a contemporary and label mate of Jamie Cullum and he joins her for a duet on the title track of her latest CD, The Road Less Travelled, a song which Clare co-wrote with Amanda Field.

Clare has a fantastic voice that can tackle everything from Miss Otis Regrets to the melodic classic, What a Difference a Day Made, and her Yorkshire sense of humour and fun gave the evening a sort of Victoria Wood effect that the audience loved.

Together with her noble band of jazz journeyman Ms Teal achieves a unique melange of 30's dance with early swing and a good dash of contemporary work for good measure.

With two successful albums under her belt, sell-out shows at the infamous Ronnie Scott's and a recent appearance on Parkinson, Clare's confidence in her voice and style continues to grow - as I'm sure will her career.

Watch out for more excellent nights at the Cinnamon Club where you can combine an evening of good food and wine with the best jazz in the area.